If you haven’t yet made the switch to  resusable shopping bags, you don’t know what you’re missing. These bags have almost become a cultural icon in an age where people are becoming more concerned about the environment. , and doing all they can to do their part. So, if you haven’t yet made the switch, here are some great reasons to do so.

It’s the Law

As more and more states pass laws that make the use of plastic shopping bags illegal, many consumers have had to purchase and make use of reusable shopping bags. In some cities and locales, grocery stores and other retailers are no longer allowed to give plastic bags to consumers to carry home their goods with. So if consumers want to get their new purchases home, they will have to carry their own reusable bags with them when they shop. If you live in a jurisdiction where plastic bags are illegal, or is considering legislation as so many are, it’s time to begin the search for your perfect reusable shopping bag.

They’re Good for the Environment

The Earth Policy Institute estimates that more than 1 trillion (With a T!) plastic bags are used worldwide every single year. And all of those plastic bags have to go somewhere. In addition, the National Resources Defense Council estimates that the average American family takes home an astonishing 1,500 plastic bags a year. Those figures come into focus when you consider that a single plastic bag takes at least 500 years to degrade. In fact, scientists believe that for every square mile of ocean, 46,000 pieces of plastic float in it, and much of that is plastic bags, although plastic bottles make up some of it. But if more people used Reusable shopping bags, the positive impact on the environment would be significant.

You’ll Earn Extra Money

Most major grocers offer consumers anywhere from 3 to 10 cents back when they use their own shopping bags. And although the amount isn’t a lot, over time it can add up. In addition, the stores save money by not having to purchase plastic bags, which they should pass on to their customers.

You’ll Get Your Fashion On

Let’s face it, most people who carry reusable shopping bags tend to pick bags that reflect their personality. And even fashion designers have jumped on the trend, producing bags that people pay exorbitant amounts for. But luckily, people don’t have to pay a lot for a reusable shopping bags that look fashionable and perform well. For instance, one company offers cute reusable shopping bags that are shaped like colorful pieces of fruit. The bags are so small that they’ll fit inside a purse, but when they’re open, they’ll hold up to twenty pounds.

If you haven’t jumped on the reusable shopping bag bandwagon, these are just four of the great reasons why you should make the switch. After all, if doing so will allow you to earn you more money, help you look more in style, do what you can for the environment, and follow the law (in some states), using reusable shopping bags is probably the one of the best things you can do.